1ST BATCH OF STRANDED OFWS BACK IN RP SOON--VP NOLI
April 4, 2008

The first batch of stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is set to return in the country on April 10, 2008, according to Vice President Noli 'Kabayan' De Castro.

De Castro, also presidential adviser on OFWs, said 42 out of more than 200 stranded OFWs will arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 3:50 pm via Malaysian Airline with flight no. 704.

He said the returning OFWs have been cleared by Saudi authorities for deportation. The others, he said, are being assisted by the consulate in gaining clearance.

De Castro said most of the OFWs are those who have overstayed and ran away from their employers.

"This is good news for the relatives of the stranded OFWs. As to the others left behind, we are in close coordination with our consulate in Jeddah, working for your immediate return," De Castro said.

Earlier, concerned relatives of the OFWs sought the help of De Castro to facilitate the immediate and safe return of the Filipino workers who were reportedly staying outside the deportation facility.

Following discussions with the consulate, De Castro reported that many of the OFWs are now staying at the deportation facility in Jeddah where they are provided with food and clothes by the government.

"The government is doing everything to make things comfortable for our stranded countrymen in Jeddah. We are exerting all efforts for their immediate repatriation," he said.

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